If you like walks on the beach and are someone who enjoys the view, then you will love taking a dog walk on the Northern SF shores of Crissy Field with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. There is ample parking. You can also walk with your dog on-lead on a paved path that runs parallel to some nice large grassy fields that invites gleeful rolling.
We shot this on a very windy and cold day at Crissy Field, which is why we were basically the only ones there. It was brutal! Normally, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz clearly. You can still get a sense of the field and beach in the same area which provide a variety of terrain the enjoy close together.
OVERVIEW
In the city of San Francisco, home to the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, close to the intersection of Mason St. and Girard in the Marina District, resides Crissy Field East Beach. Crissy Field is known for spectacular views and staging for many major events that take place in San Francisco including 4th of July fireworks and the World Cup sailing regatta.
One of the nice things about Crissy Field is that you do not have to climb down a cliff to reach it, it is easily accessible. Also worth noting is that the current along the Northwest shore is less hazardous than some of the western beaches like Ocean Beach, another beach just a few miles to the south. I used to train for triathlons in Aquatic Park along with many other open water swimmers, so I can testify to the fact that it is safe to swim without the dangerous undertow that is a constant treat at many Northern California beaches. There is an off-leash, dog-friendly beach area that is also close to a big grassy field. If you are looking for a beach to go to in a non-remote area, go do the Cango at Crissy Field.
IS THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT/SERVICE WORTH A VISIT?
We love going to Crissy Field and have never witnessed any badly behaved owners or dogs. It can get breezy since it is on the northern shore of the city (like on the day when we shot the video footage posted), but it is well worth it to enjoy the view, fresh air, and encounters with other friendly dog-owners.
HOW PET-FRIENDLY IS IT?
Comfort level of the pet-friendly area is very good. The surrounding area is not very polluted or congested as Mason is a quiet street once it hits Crissy Field as it basically ends at the Presidio and attracts less traffic than it does along the boardwalk part by Fort Mason. Since this part of San Francisco is where the Bay hits the Pacific Ocean, the ocean breeze keeps the air clean and fresh.
There can be a fair amount of foot traffic along the paved pedestrian and bike path where they require a leash, but the beach area is not. The ocean air tends to dilute noise that may be louder once you hit the paved area.
It is not an official dog park, and truth be told there has been controversy about keeping the off-leash area, so the park does not supply things like water bowls or a bathing station (hose, etc.). I have not seen any special dog rules posted, but I have noticed that people tend to be more uptight about dogs frolicking in the more staging area of the beach where there are more families with small children.
IS IT CONVENIENT OR A PAIN IN THE —?
Parking is free and easy in the public lot. (I have also parked in Sports Basement and gone in to buy more workout clothes and use the bathroom before leaving). The surrounding area is extremely pedestrian-friendly and well-used by cyclists and people walking with and without dogs. It is very safe and comfortable to walk around with a pet.
It is easier to dispose of waste along the paved path than on the beach, so you may want to walk your dog along the pathway on-lead before hitting the beach as I have not seen any trash bins on the actual beach.
The closest emergency vet is Urban Pet Hospital located on Lombard St in the North Beach area of San Francisco less than 2 miles away. [Please note: we provide this information as a resource not a recommendation.]*
